How to Find Affordable Health Insurance in the State of Kansas

The state of Kansas has two primary health insurance program for low-income citizens: Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

HealthWave is the state's Medicaid program for low-income pregnant women and children under 19 who have no insurance coverage. It is designed with three income levels for qualifying benefits: 100%, 133% and 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). Small premiums are paid only by families whose incomes are at or above the 150% FPL.

For children under 19 whose family income is at or above 232% of FPL, CHIP has a medical insurance program to meet their needs.

Kansas also has a state-funded program, with matching federal funds, that offers premium assistance for uninsured low-income. It is called Premium Assistance and is offered by the state because Kansas has one of the lowest Medicaid eligibility rates in the United States. Premium Assistance helps low-income residents purchase private insurance through state plans administered through Kansas Health Policy Authority.